VOA · Arts & Culture
Intermediate · B1–B2learner speed3:192025-02-17public domain
The Arts & Culture beat covers music, film, museums, food, and traditions from the United States and around the world. The reports are short, vivid, and full of everyday descriptive language — great for learners who want vocabulary beyond textbooks.
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01At America's 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Monty the Giant Schnauzer won the top prize.
02The lively Schnauzer beat six other finalists in New York City to become the first of his breed to win Westminster's Best in Show.
03The prize is the most important and respected in the U.S.
04dog show world.
05While Monty came close to winning Westminster the past two years, he fell short of the big prize.
06In December 2024, the dog won another big prize, the huge American Kennel Club Championship.
07But for dog show lovers, Westminster is considered the Super Bowl of all shows.
08This year, the comparison is especially fitting.
09That is because the most respected U.S.
10dog competition opened on the same weekend as the Super Bowl, the most important game in American professional football.
11This rare happening came after the dates of both competitions changed in recent years.
12At Westminster, dogs first compete against other members of their breed.
13Then the winner of each breed goes up against other dogs within different competition groups.
14Among the groups are sporting, working, toy, and herding.
15Group winners then compete in the final round.
16The Best in Show winner gets an award, a large shiny cup called a trophy, and a place in dog world history.
17The top prize, however, does not include money.
18In her report on the dog show, Learning English's Katie Weaver explains that the Westminster show dates back to 1877.
19It centers on the traditional purebred judging that leads to the Best in Show prize.
20But over the last few years, the organization has added agility and obedience events, open to mixed-breed dogs.
21In 2024, Sage, a miniature poodle, won Best in Show at the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
22And in 2023, a Petit Basset Griffon Vandian, named Buddy Holly, won Best in Show at Westminster.
23The breed he represents is known for its rabbit hunting abilities.
24I'm Anna Mateo.
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